Antimicrobial surfaces to reduce bacterial build-up on medical instruments

Aakancha Shaw, St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata

The researchers of Monash University have developed new antimicrobial surfaces that can efficiently reduce the formation of bacteria on medical instruments, including urinary catheters, and hence can reduce the risk of patient infection while in hospital.

This world-class study proves the ability of these 3D-engineered surfaces in preventing the formation and growth of colonies of microorganisms like Escherichia coli (E.coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. These are the three most common types of urinary tract bacterial infections (UTIs) associated with catheters. The study team was led by Dr. Victor Cadarso, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and the Center to Impact AMR, Monash University. Engineered surfaces with 3D smooth micro features instead of the traditional sharp cross-sectional ones were a breakthrough to reduce the potential for harmful bacteria to attach to the surfaces in huge numbers.

The surfaces that were tested were found to show a reduction in both attachments of bacteria and biofilm formation. One of the surfaces that were considered, P01, presented excellent properties against E.coli(55 percent fewer bacterial cells attached, 53 percent fewer microcolonies being formed), K.pneumoniae(69 percent fewer bacterial cells attached, 77 percent fewer microcolonies being formed), and P. aeruginosa (68 percent less bacterial cells attached, 66 percent fewer microcolonies being formed). Urinary tract infections (UTIs), caused due to urinary catheters, are one of the most common types of healthcare-associated infections and have been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an urgent global health threat. Approximately 13000 people die each year from UTIs and around 7 Lakh people die from related antimicrobial resistance infections. This is because of the resistance of superbugs to current sterilization practices and to antibiotics. 

Using E.coli the researchers found bacterial cells that form on surfaces, mostly on the sharp corners. Hence, by successfully removing these sharp features, the bacteria can no longer colonize the surface effectively. This same effect was demonstrated for the two other pathogens- Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. in this study. Surfaces such as catheters and ventilators are a significant source of microbial spread and associated infections. So, a smarter approach would be physically altering the architecture of these surfaces instead of using chemical agents. The former is a more effective strategy for fighting antimicrobial resistance

The bacterial colonization of surfaces takes place gradually. As bacteria attach to a surface, cellular responses are triggered and a few rounds of cell division results in the formation of microcolonies of such bacterial cells. After this successful colonization, the bacterial colonies form a biofilm. Biofilm is a large population of bacteria in a matrix that binds together and protects the cells from the immune system. This might create a superbug that can cause long-term health complications for patients. The researchers found out that the sharp corners of various medical instruments provide hiding spots for the bacteria and by smoothing these corners, the bacteria would get no place to hide. 

Hence, researchers developed such great strategies for the prevention of bacterial colonization of surfaces like catheters, and is very important to prevent the potential spreading of harmful diseases.

Also read: International Day for Biological Diversity – May 22, 2021

Reference- Three-Dimensional Micropatterning Deters Early Bacterial Adherence and Can Eliminate Colonization

• The Corrosion Prediction from the Corrosion Product Performance
• Nitrogen Resilience in Waterlogged Soybean plants
• Cell Senescence in Type II Diabetes: Therapeutic Potential
• Transgene-Free Canker-Resistant Citrus sinensis with Cas12/RNP
• AI Literacy in Early Childhood Education: Challenges and Opportunities